Boating Accidents

Thousands of boating accidents occur each year, resulting in millions of dollars in property damage, serious injuries and fatalities. There have been 234 boating accidents reported over the past five years in Connecticut alone. This includes accidents involving motorboats, personal watercraft, canoes, kayaks and pontoons.

Common Causes of Connecticut Boating Accidents

In instances that the cause of death was known, 77 percent of boating accident victims drowned. Accidents can affect boat operators, passengers or other people in the water. Recreational boating accidents may include collisions with another boat or fixed object, flooding or water skier mishap. Jet skis and other personal watercraft can also pose serious dangers to operators and passengers.

Safety Tips to Reduce Risks of Boating Accidents

Boating accidents occur when there is lack of safety protocol in place. In order to prevent accidents from happening, this advice should be followed at all times.

Life Jackets: Ensure that each person on the boat wears a properly fitted life jacket to prevent drowning.

Take a Course: More than 7 out of 10 boating accidents are caused by operator error. Register for a boating course to learn how to navigate recreational boats.

Refrain from Alcohol: Do not drink and operate a boat. It impairs judgment, balance and coordination. Also, when mixed with heavy sun exposure, it can cause impairment more quickly. It is illegal to operate a boat under the influence of alcohol or drugs in the state of Connecticut.

Connecticut requires a boating certificate for operation of all personal watercrafts, such as jet-skis, and for any boat with an engine or sailboat 19.5 feet or longer.

Boat operators have a responsibility to themselves and to their passengers when out on the water. They should be held accountable if their negligence causes harm. People who have sustained injuries as a result of a boating accident may be eligible for compensation for medical costs, loss of wages due to an inability to work, plus pain and suffering.

Choose a Boating Accident Attorney

Our law firm proudly serves Connecticut in boating accident matters. Our experience and resources allow us to handle claims of this nature and achieve successful results for our clients.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a boating accident, you may be eligible for compensation. Our law firm is here to help you explore your legal options and help you seek justice for your injuries and subsequent suffering.

Testimonials

I can’t say thank you enough for your help navigating this process. I never thought I would be involved in a car accident. I didn’t know what to think when my family lawyer told me to call you, but from day one you put me at ease. You were professional and knowledgeable. You always answered my questions and really were there to “hold my hand” through the entire process. In the end, I was very happy with the results. Recovering from the accident was a terrible experience to go through, but you made it as easy as it could possibly be considering the circumstances. Thank you again.

– Client involved in motor vehicle accident

Thank you for everything you have done for me and my family. We would not have made it through this difficult time without you.